Education Commons^™

Digital Justice: An Exploratory Study Of Digital Activism Actions On Twitter, Damien Sánchez

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This paper employs learning analytics to determine the relationships between digital activism action categories. Organizing that took place on Twitter in response to the shooting death of Tony Robinson, an African American teenager, was guided by the digital activism typology developed by Penney and Dadas (2014). The results yielded a positive correlation between seeking connections with activists and providing face-to-face updates from protests, which suggests people who seek connections with activists are likely to participate in live protests. Forwarding Information and Facilitating Online Actions were found to be negatively correlated with all other study variables. These findings lead to the …

Applying Data Mining Methods To Understand User Interactions Within Learning Management Systems: Approaches And Lessons Learned, Ji Eun Lee, Mimi M. Recker, Hongkyu Choi, Won Joon Hong, Nam Ju Kim, Kyumin Lee, Mason Lefler, John Louviere, Andrew Walker

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This article describes our processes for analyzing and mining the vast records of instructor and student usage data collected by a learning management system (LMS) widely used in higher education, called Canvas. Our data were drawn from over 33,000 courses taught over three years at a mid-sized public Western U.S. university. Our processes were guided by an established data mining framework, called Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (KDD). In particular, we use the KDD framework in guiding our application of several educational data mining (EDM) methods (prediction, clustering, and data visualization) to model student and instructor Canvas usage data, and …

A Systematic Overview Of Learning Analytics In Higher Education, Lin Zhong

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Learning analytics has been an emerging trend in education especially in higher education. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of learning analytics in higher education through an overview of current research topics of learning analytics in higher education, significant results of previous studies, and implications in future research. Results show that research topics of learning analytics in higher education fall into five categories: learning, teaching, administration, technology development, and digital citizenship. More studies are required in learning prediction and data variety.

Dimensions Underlying Assistive Technology (At) Practices And Quality Of At Outcomes From The Perspective Of Special Education Professors, Soonhwa Seok, Boaventura Dacosta, Brian Bryant

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This study validated items for assistive technology (AT) evaluation and, accordingly, identified dimensions underlying AT practices and the quality of AT outcomes from the perspective of professors preparing preservice teachers for careers in special education. The statistical approach of multidimensional scaling was used, in which the proximity of similarity and dissimilarity between items was compared. Participants rated 4,851 comparisons, resulting in a dataset of 19,404 pairwise comparisons (4,851*4). Stress and fit measures showed that the normalized raw stress was .07136, S-stress was .19190, dispersion was .92864, and Tucker’s coefficient of congruence was .96366. These results revealed four underlying dimensions— Dependability …

Analyzing And Comparing Online Learning Experiences Through Micro-Level Analytics, Sanghoon Park

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Learning analytics collects and uses observations of interactions, which allow course instructors to search for the underlying patterns of a student’ learning progress and to accordingly optimize the student’ learning progress at a micro-level. Understanding the online learning experience through the learning analytics approach is essential to inform future pedagogical decisions in online learning design. This paper attempts to define the concept of an online learning experience in three dimensions. In addition, the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) is suggested as a supplement to Web log analysis (WLA) to collect data on cognitive involvement and learning emotion as well as to …

Big Data Ethics In Education: Connecting Practices And Ethical Awareness, Xiaojun Chen, Chen Ying Liu

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The purpose of this paper is to discuss big data ethics in education. To achieve this goal, this paper first discusses big data from its origin, and then discusses big data ethics from its philosophical perspectives of cyberethics and the emphasis on privacy issues in using big data in researching and teaching. Cases, policies, and code of conduct regarding big data and privacy are discussed with ethical considerations from data ownership and privacy, as well as instructor and learner responsibilities perspectives. Key privacy preserving data mining techniques are also discussed, and the authors recommend using a hybrid approach to address …

Problems With Internet And Library Usage For Secondary School Children, Tom Nolan, Mark Humphrys

The ITB Journal

This research consisted of investigating seven hypotheses using the following components: 1. Observation of forty-three secondary school children using the Internet and the library to complete five tasks. 2. An interview was held with all the participants in the study that was audio taped and subsequently transcribed. 3. An on-line form was constructed so that the students could nominate their favourite educational web sites for each class subject. The participants were given five tasks and had to find the answers using two of the most common forms of information retrieval found in Irish schools, the Internet and the school library. …

Experiences Gained From The Deployment Of An E-Learning "Java Arrays" Prototype For Novice Java Programmers In The Institute Of Technology Tallaght, 2002/2003, Eamonn Hyland, Dean Fennell

The ITB Journal

This paper describes recent experiences gained from the deployment of an E-learning "Java Arrays" prototype for novice first year students within the Computing department at the Institute of Technology, Tallaght. It attempts to determine what contributions, if any, the E-Learning prototype made to novice students learning to declare, create, initialise and manipulate one-dimensional and two-dimensional arrays within the Java Programming language. Tentative conclusions from this process are presented and a charter for progressing this research further is outlined.

Deaf Children’S Science Content Learning In Direct Instruction Versus Interpreted Instruction, Kim B. Kurz, Brenda Schick, Peter C. Hauser

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

This research study compared learning of 6-9th grade deaf students under two modes of educational delivery – interpreted vs. direct instruction using science lessons. Nineteen deaf students participated in the study in which they were taught six science lessons in American Sign Language. In one condition, the lessons were taught by a hearing teacher in English and were translated in ASL via a professional and certified interpreter. In the second condition, the lessons were taught to the students in ASL by a deaf teacher. All students saw three lessons delivered via an interpreter and three different lessons in direct ASL; …

What I Taught My Stem Instructor About Teaching: What A Deaf Student Hears That Others Cannot, Annemarie Ross, Randy K. Yerrick

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Overall, science teaching at the university level has remained in a relatively static state. There is much research and debate among university faculty regarding the most effective methods of teaching science. But it remains largely rhetoric. The traditional lecture model in STEM higher education is limping along in its march toward inclusion and equity. The NGSS and Common Core reform efforts do little to help university science teachers to change their orientation from largely lecture-driven practice with laboratory supplements. While it is impossible to address all diverse student groups, the need for accommodations tend to be overlooked. As a Deaf …

Enhancing Nonfiction Reading Comprehension Through Online Book Discussions, Angela Falter Thomas

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Abstract

The introduction of Common Core State Standards has many middle grade school teachers concerned with implementing standards while retaining student reading engagement and motivation strategies. This study analyzes the effectiveness of providing social networking strategies in online book discussion groups on enhancing middle grade student reading engagement and motivation. Additionally, this study reaffirmed that offering students choice of texts fostered more autonomous learning habits. Finally as a result of facilitating these online book discussions, graduate students were able to learn and develop more effective strategies and skills for engaging and motivating middle grade student reading. It is hoped that …

Ambiguity In Speaking Chemistry And Other Stem Content: Educational Implications, Mick D. Isaacson, Michelle Michaels

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Ambiguity in speech is a possible barrier to the acquisition of knowledge for students who have print disabilities (such as blindness, visual impairments, and some specific learning disabilities) and rely on auditory input for learning. Chemistry appears to have considerable potential for being spoken ambiguously and may be a barrier to accessing knowledge and to learning. Educators in chemistry may be unaware of, or have limited awareness of, potential ambiguity in speaking chemistry and may speak chemistry ambiguously to their students. One purpose of this paper is to increase awareness of potential ambiguity in speaking chemistry and other STEM fields …

Faculty Expectations Toward Their Online Courses: Are They On The Same Screen With Their Students?, John A. Huss, Shannon Eastep

Journal of Inquiry and Action in Education

This action research study explored attitudes and expectations of faculty at a Midwestern university who taught at least one fully online course during 2014. The study focused on instructor perceptions toward and experiences with web-based instruction, particularly in the critical areas of assessment and feedback; course organization; interaction with students; course flexibility; and overall communication. Findings were then compared to student responses from the authors’ previous study. A mixed-methods electronic survey blended a quantitative component in the form of 21 fixed response items with a qualitative element accomplished through two narrative response questions where content analysis was used to compress …

Promoting Numeracy In An Online College Algebra Course Through Projects And Discussions, Samuel L. Tunstall, Michael J. Bossé

Numeracy

This research stems from efforts to infuse quantitative literacy (QL) in an online version of college algebra. College algebra fulfills a QL requirement at many universities, and it is a terminal course for most who take it. In light of the course’s traditional content and teaching methods, students often leave with little gained in QL. An online platform provides a unique means of engaging students in quantitative discussions and research, yet little research exists on online courses in the context of QL. The course studied included weekly news discussions as well as “messy” projects requiring data analysis. Students in online …

You’Ve Got Mail: Student Preferences Of Instructor Communication In Online Courses In An Age Of Advancing Technologies, Ching-Wen Chang, Beth Hurst, Annice Mclean

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The purpose of this study was to determine students' current preferred ways to receive course communication from their online instructors. In a time when technology is changing daily, and a time when young people are often the most up-to-date with that new technology, students’ preferences for how they receive online course communication is apt to change often too. In order to determine students’ current preferences, a survey was administered two semesters to both graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in an at least online course at a university in the Midwest. Survey results indicated that 97% of the students …

Factors Influencing Instructors’ Attitudes Toward Technology Integration, Molefe Mookana Motshegwe, Tshepo Batane

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Attending professional development (PD) on teaching online is becoming popular for teachers in today’s K-12 online education. Due to the unique characteristics of the online instructional environments, surveys become the most feasible approach to evaluate the effectiveness of PD programs. However, there is no validated, open-access instrument available to satisfy the needs. Purpose of this study is to conduct construct validity, content validity, concurrent validity, and reliability tests on an open-access instrument for K–12 PD for online teaching. With the exception of a few items that have minor issues on content and construct validity, results show …

The Validation Of An Instrument For Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Professional Development Program On Teaching Online, Jui-Long Hung, Dazhi Yang

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Attending professional development (PD) on teaching online is becoming popular for teachers in today’s K-12 online education. Due to the unique characteristics of the online instructional environments, surveys become the most feasible approach to evaluate the effectiveness of PD programs. However, there is no validated, open-access instrument available to satisfy the needs. Purpose of this study is to conduct construct validity, content validity, concurrent validity, and reliability tests on an open-access instrument for K–12 PD for online teaching. With the exception of a few items that have minor issues on content and construct validity, results show …

Factors Associated With Electronic Portfolio Adoption Among Pre-Service Teachers, Lin Zhong, Taralynn Hartsell

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This qualitative study investigates factors that affect pre-service teachers’ electronic portfolio adoption process. Data is collected through in-depth interviews and document analysis. Factors affecting pre-service teachers’ adoption of electronic portfolio include school requirements, social pressures, time constraints, previous experiences, family consciousness, and personality. Findings suggest that successful electronic portfolio implementation rely on consideration of both external and internal aspects such as time, motivation, interaction, and technological skills.

From The Co-Editors, Todd Pagano

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

We continue to work diligently to improve JSESD. One of the largest challenges to the journal remains the solicitation of manuscript submissions. As such, we are asking the journal’s readership to assist us in advertising the journal. If you are familiar with individuals who might be interested in submitting a manuscript, please pass along the JSESD author link provided above. We are especially interested in articles on science education for students with varying types of disabilities and at a full range of grade levels (K-12 and postsecondary).

A Historical Perspective On The Revolution Of Science Education For Students Who Are Blind Or Visually Impaired In The United States, Cary A. Supalo Dr.

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

The following was an invited presentation given by Dr. Cary A. Supalo to the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois annual state convention that was held in Chicago, Illinois on Saturday, October 28, 2011. These remarks were slightly modified for the Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities.

Cary A. Supalo

What does the term Revolution mean? To some it can simply mean change. To others, it can mean drastic change, and still to others, revolution is no more than a descriptor for something else. In this context, I believe revolution refers to a time of significant change.1 …

Then And Now: An Analysis Of Broad-Based Merit Aid Initial Eligibility Policies After Twenty Years, William K. Ingle, Jason R. Ratliff

Kentucky Journal of Higher Education Policy and Practice

Using Hall’s framework of policy changes, we sought to document and classify changes in initial eligibility and award provisions of broad-based merit aid scholarship programs at inception and present day. Our analysis revealed five first-order changes, two second-order changes, and only one third order change. Although the policy settings, instruments, and goals remained static in five states, the scholarship dollars in four of them have not kept up with increases in overall cost of attendance.

Randall Lynn Wright—A Tribute To A Colleague And Friend, Carolyn Eggleston, Thom Gehring

Journal of Critical Issues in Educational Practice

A tribute to Professor Randall Lynn Wright who died in October 2014.

2015 Ijbe Front Matter, Tamra Connor

International Journal for Business Education

1. Editorial Board
2. President's Letter
3. SIEC-ISBE International

“Warming Up” In The Developmental Sequence? Upward Transfer Conditional On Dependency Status, Cody Davidson, Kristin B. Wilson

Kentucky Journal of Higher Education Policy and Practice

The purpose of this study was to determine predictor factors of upward transfer for Kentucky community college students enrolled in a developmental algebra course. For independent students, a mother with a college degree, a declared major, a federal work-study position, greater adjusted gross income, and a higher grade point average was positively correlated with upward transfer. For dependent students, a father with a college degree, a declared major, and a higher grade point average was positively correlated with upward transfer.

Stress: The Insidious Leveler Of Good, Unsuspecting, Online Instructors Of Higher Education, Gina S. Smith, Henry M. Brashen, Maria A. Minor, Peter J. Anthony

Journal of Sustainable Social Change

This study was undertaken to determine the effects of stress on faculty in higher education teaching online classes. Few studies have been conducted to examine the impact of stress on faculty in online higher education. An anonymous survey of faculty was conducted at an online institution of higher learning to determine how prevalent stress was in their jobs, how stress impacted performance and morale, and what the symptoms were. The findings showed 67.6% of the 100 participants who completed the survey identified either a very high or high level of stress. The biggest stressors included time constraints, technical issues, and …

Out-Of-The-Box Teaching Helps Students Excel

DePaul Magazine

As the education sector evolves, new strategies and teaching tools are making their way into classroom. At DePaul University, faculty are incorporating mobile technology, online lectures with comment threads, and service learning that creates a community approach to curriculum called culturally responsive teaching.

Down The Rabbit Hole: An Initial Typology Of Issues Around The Development Of Moocs, Apostolos Koutropoulos, Panagiotis Zaharias

Current Issues in Emerging eLearning

MOOCs have experienced an unprecedented explosion of publicity. This publicity indicates both optimism that they may be the panacea for whatever ails higher education, as well as caution and trepidation that this may in-fact be some sort of new fad in higher education. In this wave of optimism, and subsequent wave of pessimism, we believe that there is something good to examine about MOOCs and that they do hold potential for certain educational arenas. That said, we don’t want to blindly dive into the MOOC optimism camp. We have critically examined the literature, from both academic peer-reviewed and academic press …

Virtual Instructor-Student Interaction: A New Method For Stimulating Class Participation In An Asynchronous Learning Network, Christopher Donoghue

The Emerging Learning Design Journal

The goal of this paper is to describe a new virtual form of instructor-student interaction that can enable students to interact with their instructors without the pressures inherent in a traditional setting where they must face other students. Virtual instructor-student interaction (VISI) is a new pedagogical technique, developed by the author, which involves the transformation of an online survey into a medium that can simultaneously present course material, ask questions, obtain feedback and deliver responses. The interaction takes place asynchronously in a private space between the student and the instructor. By using this method instructors can enable students to grow …

Academic Honesty And The New Technological Frontier, Jennifer Deranek, Ceceilia Parnther

The Hilltop Review

As technological advances increase in higher education, there are increased opportunities to prevent cheating and promote academic integrity. Up to 90% of undergraduate and graduate students have reported cheating, and many students believe that academic dishonesty has become second nature (Stuber-McEwen, Wiseley & Hoggatt, 2009). An intentional effort to promote learning and growth for students and the institution is important for reputation, workplace honesty, and academic freedom. This paper identifies changes in the technological landscape of academic honor.

Keywords: technology, academic dishonesty

Using Social Media To Market Online Programs, Denise Starbek

FDLA Journal

As of January 2014, 71% of adults are using Facebook and 23% are using Twitter (Pew, 2014). Given this, social media has potential as a tool for marketing online programs. The purpose of this paper is to provide suggestions for selecting, evaluating, and maintaining social media for marketing online programs. While several social media tools can be used for marketing (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter) Facebook and Twitter will be reviewed and discussed as possible social media marketing tools.